As a devoted movie enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the action-drama series “Tracker” that swiftly became a ratings sensation for CBS. Sharing the limelight with Kathy Bates’ iconic show, “Matlock”, this procedural series featured Justin Hartley in the leading role, best recognized for his exceptional portrayal of Kevin on “This Is Us”.
In “Tracker”, he assumes the character of Colter Shaw, a solitary survivalist who navigates life by tracking down missing individuals, working for both law enforcement and private clients. One of the allures of the first season was the presence of Robin Weigert as Teddi. Alongside her partner Velma, she skillfully managed the business aspects of Cole’s job while he was out in the field, adding a touch of charm to the series.
Prior to the launch of Season 2, it became known that Weigert would no longer be playing her role in the series. While it’s not unusual for actors to depart unexpectedly from productions, her exit was surprising given her substantial impact in the first season and the lack of information regarding her departure. Neither Weigert nor the producers of Tracker have explained her departure publicly, and her character’s disappearance was only hinted at in the Season 2 premiere through a suggestion that she and Velma had parted ways. This vague reference suggests that her character may not have been written out for storyline reasons, leaving fans with many questions about what transpired off-screen.
Calamity Jane Road Into Town 20 Years Before ‘Tracker’
Robin Weigert is an actress you might recognize, appearing in multiple episodes of your favorite shows, even though you might not remember where you’ve seen her before. Before her role in “Tracker”, Weigert was well-known for her performances on TV shows such as “Sons of Anarchy” as a lawyer and “Big Little Lies” as a therapist. However, it’s her portrayal of Calamity Jane in the HBO Western series “Deadwood”, from 2004 to 2006, that she is most recognized for, with this role being the most memorable and respected on her list of credits.
‘Deadwood’ Is a Celebrated Western
The series, titled Deadwood, is set in the 1870s within a gold mining town named after itself, nestled in what is now South Dakota. Its residents strive to establish order amidst its raw and uncivilized environment. Despite its rough exterior, it was teeming with the sex, violence, and colorful language typical of Westerns, along with a unique brand of creative swearing. The show blended reality and fiction as many of its central characters were inspired by real historical figures and depicted actual events.
In this series, I found myself playing a part alongside Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane as Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen, respectively. Yet, it was the remarkable ensemble cast that truly breathed life into this town. One of those captivating characters was Wild Bill Hickok, portrayed by Keith Carradine – a renowned gunslinger who galloped into town accompanied by his friend, Calamity Jane, a sharp-shooting woman in her own right.
Robin Weigert as Calamity Jane
In the TV series Deadwood, they aimed to depict Calamity Jane authenticly, showing her as a tough, foul-mouthed, and heavy-drinking character with a tender spirit hidden beneath. Robin Weigert brilliantly brought this complex character to life – a woman known for her rough exterior but with a generous heart, ready to lend a hand to her community whenever needed. Notably, she even helped the local doctor in treating patients during a Smallpox outbreak, a historical moment faithfully recreated in the show. This event was later dramatized on screen in the 2024 movie Calamity Jane, starring Emily Bett Rickards.
In 2004, Weigert received Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a remarkable feat given that her role in “Deadwood” was her debut on television. She had previously worked in theater. The show’s cast also gained recognition, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in 2007 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Notably, the creator, writer, and director David Milch were also celebrated. This collaborative team was consistently supportive of each other’s work.
‘Deadwood’ Alums Praise Weigert
Kim Dickens, who played Joanie Stubbs in the series Deadwood, praised Weigert to the L.A. Times for her exceptional ability to develop characters. Dickens referred to Weigert as a “visionary” and a “true professional,” highlighting her sensitivity and respectfulness. Despite any reservations or timidness she might have, Weigert is always ready to dive in. In the demanding environment of Deadwood, everyone had to gather their courage daily, and Weigert is no exception – she’s always up for the challenge.
2019 saw a comment arrive following the unveiling of “Deadwood: The Movie,” a film that continued the narrative 10 years after Season 3’s conclusion. Remarkably, most of the show’s cast returned to their roles, with Weigert standing out for effortlessly slipping back into character despite the decade-long gap. Daniel Minahan, who helmed the movie and several episodes of the series, couldn’t help but sing praises for Weigert’s portrayal. He expressed this admiration to the L.A. Times, stating, “When Robin is playing Jane, she essentially disappears into the role.
Character Authenticity Is Important to Robin Weigert
Weigert strongly felt it was crucial to depict Calamity Jane truthfully in every aspect. He even spent time with actress Jane Alexander, who played the same role in the 1984 TV movie ‘Calamity Jane’, and had conducted extensive research into her life. To fully embody the character, as Weigert shared in an interview with SlashFilm, he found the character by examining old photographs, searching for a voice, clothing style, mannerisms, and anything else that made him believe he could be that woman staring back at him.
The detailed and authentic stage setup made it significantly easier for her to accept the story, with its textures and smells adding realism. However, Weigert acknowledges that her portrayal of Jane wouldn’t have been successful without all the other elements coming together. She stated:
“The intricate set design, complete with accurate textures and aromas, made it effortless for me to believe the story. Even though I dedicated myself to playing Jane, I recognize that my character’s success was reliant on various factors working harmoniously.
I recognized it as one of the most stunning experiences of my life… I felt privileged to be among extraordinary individuals. I had no doubt about David Milch’s brilliance, and I knew each mind in the writer’s room was exceptionally intelligent. This led to us receiving exceptional dialogue. Moreover, I was aware that I was working with a remarkable cast – everyone I shared scenes with left me feeling humbled and awestruck.
When Will We Wee Robin Weigert again?
After wrapping up her highly successful stint in Deadwood, Weigert’s career continued to thrive, but scoring a leading role in a major network series like Tracker represented a significant milestone. Although her character didn’t meet an untimely end on the show, leaving room for potential resurrection in Tracker Season 3, such a return seems unlikely. Now that she’s chosen to step away from the popular procedural, shrouded in mystery, fans can’t help but eagerly wait for her next screen appearance. Maybe her upcoming role will be impactful enough to rival her portrayal of Calamity Jane. In the interim, Deadwood is available for streaming on Max.
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2025-03-23 21:35